Research Fellow/Associate (611015)

Fixed Term (36 months)

A computational chemistry researcher is required to deliver an ambitious research programme to understand reaction mechanisms in homogeneous nickel catalysis, generously funded by the Leverhulme Trust. The position is nominally 1 FTE (36 months), but part-time and/or flexible working may be available.

Nickel(0) can react via mechanisms including oxidative addition, halogen atom abstraction, and electron transfer, with possible spin crossover (Catal. Sci. Technol., 2021, 11, 2980), depending on the specific ligand and substrate in each reaction. This project will assess the fundamental features of each system that influence selectivity, with the aim of producing a unified model that can predict the reactivity of any nickel catalyst. While most work in the team is laboratory-led, computational chemistry is increasingly important to deliver our objectives, and you will be the computational chemistry expert within the team. The project will be carried out using the ARCHIE-WeSt High-Performance Computer hosted at the University of Strathclyde (archie-west.ac.uk), which has substantial CPU and GPU resource.

You will:

• Engage in individual and collaborative research, establishing a distinctive research programme and disseminating results via high impact publications.
• Mentor junior researchers, and provide direction, support, and guidance to team members.
• Contribute to research funding applications to appropriate external bodies.
• Participate in and develop research collaborations, inform the development of research objectives, and identify potential funding sources.
• Develop knowledge exchange activities (e.g. with industry).
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching.
• Carry out appropriate administrative and management functions, e.g. through membership of committees.
• Engage in continuous professional development.

It is possible to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma in Academic Practice or Researcher Development, at no cost.

To be considered for the role, you will have:

• A PhD in an appropriate discipline or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. Postdoctoral experience would be advantageous.
• Sufficient breadth and depth of expertise and experience in computational chemistry applied to homogeneous catalysis, fundamental principles of organometallic chemistry, and reaction mechanisms.
• Significant research experience in computational chemistry applied to homogeneous catalysis and in the practical use of machine learning or other relevant statistical techniques to interrogate large datasets and make predictions.
• A body of published high quality research, and an ability to develop research proposals and to attract funding, as appropriate to the discipline.
• An ability to plan and organise research programmes, to ensure successful completion.
• Experience of planning and organising workloads, including the ability to supervise and delegate work.
• An ability to work within a team environment and to lead teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies (e.g. the Royal Society of Chemistry) and/or a track record in knowledge exchange activities.

* A Research Fellow is ideally sought for the position, but applications from less-experienced Researchers are welcomed. In such circumstances, the appointment will be made at Research Associate level (RS07 salary scale: £36,024 - £44,263) and duties will be adjusted to reflect the grade of the post.

Appointment to this position is subject to the approval of the Leverhulme Trust. A copy of your CV will require to be shared with the Trust before employment can commence.

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